Working on booking a hotel for your next vacation? The first thing to consider is the kind of accommodations your trip, and your tastes, require. If all you need out of a hotel is a bed to sleep on and a sink to wash your face, you’ll have no shortage of options. On the other hand, some people travel as much for the hotel as they do for the destination—and sometimes, the hotel is the destination. If you fall into that category, you need to get to know Design Hotels.
You’ve likely heard the phrase “design hotel” when it comes to travel. This typically refers to a four- or five-star property with a specific aesthetic and curated point of view. A design hotel doesn’t have a look that’s standardized across hundreds of properties, for example, and work from local artisans is often incorporated into the hotel’s decor.
But Design Hotels is itself a specific category of hotels. It’s a prestigious collection of curated properties that launched in 1993. The portfolio is an excellent place to get inspired for your next vacation: Design Hotels offers a global roster of more than 300 top-tier boutique hotels in cities, atop mountains, on beaches, and everywhere in between. Although Design Hotels is now fully owned by Marriott, the properties themselves are independently owned—DH just curates the collection and upholds the portfolio standards. No matter where you book, you can count on the Design Hotels collection to offer a unique experience.
The 10 properties below are our favorites of the Design Hotels portfolio. Booking one of these great hotels is the easiest way to guarantee a successful getaway—one you’ll recommend to friends and remember for years to come.
The Best Design Hotels to Book for Your Next Trip
Courtesy Image
1. Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel, Los Angeles
The newly opened Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel is one of the latest additions to the Design Hotels collection. Famed designer Kelly Wearstler paired Mexican and Moroccan details inside a nightclub-turned-YWCA that has found a third life as a see-and-be-seen hotel. Yes, you’ll sleep where a basketball court or pool once existed, and yes, you’ll probably want to watch Wearstler’s Masterclass after staying here in hopes that you can recreate her aesthetic at home.
Gramercy Park Hotel has had many retouches in its century of attracting artists, writers, and other free spirits. It’s a Renaissance Revival hotel with a modern makeover and visual direction by Julian Schnabel throughout. It’s practically an art museum, too, with works by Basquiat, Warhol, and Mapplethorpe on display. Guests even have access to Manhattan’s only private park: Gramercy Park (it’s located just down the street).
La Paz, in Mexico’s Baja California Sur, is pulling more and more travelers away from Cabo (or sharing them—it’s not a contest). Dubbed “the world’s aquarium,” La Paz has incredible hospitality to match its many natural attractions, and Baja Club is at top of the list. Design-wise, Luis Barragán’s eye for cheeky architecture splashes against a colonial-era hacienda, and the decor features soft earth-tone colors and natural materials including wood beams, woven furniture, antique brickwork, and a sand-lined pool.
Mother Nature herself designed one key draw of this property: the expansive, moss-covered lava fields with mountain-studded views of Iceland’s Lake Thingvallavatn. And the views continue after sunset: a casual glass-dome bar offers front-row seats to the Northern Lights. In proper Icelandic style, everything here is eco-friendly, from water-saving showers to recycled driftwood incorporated into the design, and the hotel serves up a chic, minimalist palette with concrete, wood, and stone.
The second-oldest property on this list is the 17th-century Stallmästaregården (it has the hardest-to-pronounce name, too). Swedish Royals once partied here, and now you can too: Wander through the hotel’s centuries-old rooms for glimpses of historic murals, chandeliers, and gardens, and then grab a bite at its copper-toned restaurant (which is listed as Sweden’s first-ever inn).
Never been to Lithuania? Here’s your excuse. The palatial Hotel Pacai mirrors the Baroque style of Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital, and the mansion itself dates back to the 17th century. Many of its historical details, like vaulted ceilings and bare marble walls, remain on display, and builders recreated its original roof. Nowadays the interiors are defined by wood, leather, tin, stone, and clay. Staying here is as much an incredible tactile experience as it is a visual one.
Les Bains is a hotel with many past lives: It was a bathhouse (which once hosted Marcel Proust), a Belle Époque meeting place, and a famous nightclub. Today’s visitors can still do a little disco in the hotel’s basement club, take a dip in the glowing mosaic-tiled baths, or enjoy a cocktail in the renovated Art Deco bar. Paris’ history is rich, and at Les Bains, you feel like you’re part of the city’s living, thriving, ever-evolving story.
Provocateur lives up to its name with its Cabernet red interiors and cabaret spirit. You wouldn’t expect this glamour from the street, where the once-residential Art Nouveau structure blends in with the neighbors. That’s so Berlin, though—putting on a show behind closed doors. Provocateur shows off its stucco, marble, fishbone parquet, brass, and other fascinating architectural elements by day, and at night, guests can kick back in the sumptuous Tempting bar.
A beautifully designed home at the edge of the world, Patina gives its guests satisfying seclusion. Studio MK27 took an eco-forward approach to the island’s construction and transplanted 16,800 trees and 320,000 shrubs from nearby islands that were being industrialized. Jaw-dropping design details, from the wooden-slatted ceilings to the spa sanctuary, wait around every corner, and guests also have private access to artist James Turrell’s breathtaking “Skyspace” installation located on-site. Your oceanfront pool looks out over an endless horizon—the perfect spot to let life’s stresses float away on the breeze.
10. Okcs Retreat Setouchi Aonagi, Matsuyama, Japan
With its minimalist, Zen-anchored approach to architecture, Okcs Retreat Setouchi Aonagi helps inspire visitors with creativity, compassion, and calm. Architect Tadao Ando installed his famously smooth concrete walls in this towering seven-room property, and he intentionally left most of their surfaces blank (though you’ll spot art by Frank Stella and Rieko Kawabe throughout the property). Okcs Retreat Setouchi Aonagi rejects frivolousness and reminds visitors that simplicity in design is an art all its own.
There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
Courtesy image
1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
Marius Bugge
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Marius Bugge
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
Marius Bugge
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top. Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
